RORSCHACH MEASURES OF POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS IN PERSIAN-GULF-WAR VETERANS - A 3-YEAR FOLLOW-UP-STUDY

The long-term psychological effects of war-related stress were assesse d with the Rorschach 3 years after the Persian Gulf War. Rorschach dat a are presented for 30 U.S. Marine reservists at a 3-year follow-up wh o reported experiencing symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTS) initial ly after Operation Desert Storm (ODS), and for 25 Marine reservist con trols who did not participate in ODS. Results showed significant diffe rences over time between the initial evaluation data and follow-up, an d between initial evaluation and the control group on selected Rorscha ch variables associated with coping ability and PTS. Scores associated with acute distress, capacity for coping and control, and feeling ove rwhelmed all were found to significantly decrease over time. These fin dings are discussed in relation to the assessment and understanding of PTS symptomatology over time.